Page 10 of Hiding in Montana

“It put a crimp in one of our revenue streams, composting the manure. Now we’re using it on the ranch instead of selling it. But again, I’m not one for business plans. I’m the brawn to execute the plan.”

She laughed. “I’ve never heard of anyone refer to themselves as the muscle, except in a gangster movie.”

“Do you like the movies?”

She noticed how easily he diverted the conversation to a safe topic. “I love them. I’ve got a ton of classics on DVD and on rare occasions I’ll even go to the movie theater.” What she neglected to say was it would be a Sunday matinee, never at night. “What do you like? And if you say westerns, I’d be shocked.”

“Actually, I love superhero and science fiction the best. Something about fantasy trips my trigger, but I’m not a huge fan of horror flicks. Most of them are so far out there, using gore as a shock factor, there usually isn’t much of a plot.”

“Exactly what I say. Give me a classic Alfred Hitchcock and I’m there, but all this other stuff”—she shook her head—“just gratuitous.”

Clint set his empty bowl on the table. “Polly, I’ve had a real nice time tonight and I’m glad you agreed to go out with me.”

Her insides went a little mushy as he leaned forward, clasping his hands together. “I’ve had a great time tonight, too. I’m glad you asked.”

“Would you like to do something on Sunday, or is that too soon?”

As she looked into his sable-brown eyes, she knew that the only thing she wanted to do was spend more time with him. “I’d like that. Is there something specific you have in mind?”

“We could take a couple of horses and go for a picnic down by the river, and if you’d like, drop a line and catch supper? We could cook the fish at my place.”

“Well, that sounds nice, but there are a couple of issues with that idea.” She got up and crossed the porch to sit on the railing. Clint followed her, the soft thud of his steps comforting.

He perched on the railing next to her. “You don’t fish or like to eat fish?”

“No, I’ve got that covered, but I don’t ride.” The words came out in a rush. “I’ve never had the opportunity to take lessons.”

“You work on a ranch. Anyone would have been happy to give you a few pointers.” He held out his hand, and she took it.

“I’ll need more than pointers. I’ve never even come within ten feet of one.”

“Would you like to learn? We could start with a lesson after work tomorrow and then, if you want, we can do a brief ride on Sunday. We’ll take one of the UTVs out to go fishing if you’re not ready for horseback.”

She smiled in the growing darkness. “Are you sure it’d be okay with a lesson tomorrow? I’ve been dying to get on a horse. They’re so majestic.”

“I’ve got just the horse for you. When you’re done for the day, come find me and I’ll let Linc know I’m cutting out early. Just wear comfortable jeans. You’re gonna need to be able to put your foot in the stirrup and sit astride the horse.”

A nervous laugh escaped her. “Maybe we should start with me petting one and feeding it an apple or carrot.”

He gave her hand a light squeeze. “Not to worry, that’s part of the lesson.” He leaned in closer, and his woodsy cologne teased her senses. “I’ll have you riding like you were born in the saddle in no time at all.”

“That’s a bold promise, sir.”

He leaned in and tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear, and his tender touch caused a shiver to race down her arms. She longed to lean into him and let his strength wrap around her, but it was too soon. He needed to know the full truth before she allowed herself to be that vulnerable with him.

He seemed to sense her hesitancy and didn’t come any closer. “Time for me to say good night.” He stood and pulled her up, too. “Walk me to my truck?” Desire lingered in his eyes, but it comforted her that he didn’t act on it, pushing her faster than she was ready to move. Still holding hands, they walked the short distance to his driver’s door.

“I had a great time tonight and if you’re sure you want to teach me to ride, I’m up for it.”

“You work on a ranch, so it makes sense for you to be comfortable in the saddle. Besides, it’s a lot of fun. We can go on trail rides, even camp out at night if that’s your thing. Sleeping under the stars next to a fire, well, there’s nothing like it on earth.”

She knew what he meant. Sleeping under the stars had always been her happy place, well, before, anyway. “I’ll make sure I pack an extra apple.”

He kissed her forehead in a totally platonic way. “See you tomorrow.”

“Good night.” She hurried up to the safety of the porch and waited until he backed out of the driveway before blowing out the candle and carrying the bowls in the house, locking the door, and securing the deadbolt behind her. Would there ever come a time when she wasn’t looking over her shoulder?

After washing up the dishes, she picked up her phone and dialed her sister.

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